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JC Unique, one of the many aliases of Chris Woods, is an accomplished producer, DJ, radio station owner, and label owner, having had many releases as James Unique and Unique2Rhythm. Producing tracks that are a blend of Classic House, Deep House, Tech House, Soulful House and UK Garage, he is a man who likes to make us dance, and his skilful touches ooze quality in every beat of his productions. Chris owns and runs ForTheLoveOfHouse Radio on http://www.fortheloveofhouse.org bringing a wide network of DJs to the fore, and it is clear that he loves what he does, music being an obvious joy in his life. He can regularly be found on the decks in his local Suffolk area, and he runs the Unique 2 Rhythm label with Richard Kersey. Chris has worked with many talented musicians including Steve Silk Hurley, Gregory Gibbs, Jay Funk, Macca D, Oski DJ, Tommie Cotton, Soul Jacka, Steve Lucas, Timmy Thomas and Kym Sims to name a few.

Like You Do is a deep and luscious track with smooth vocals that will have your body moving from the opening bars. It has a sultry late night vibe that will keep the club dancers grooving until the sun comes up. Bristol based Richard Pring brings us the True2Life version with all of its glitz and live band feel – a classic soulful vibe, that will please the Soulful House die-hards. Amsterdam’s very own Lombard Street nails the brief with his groovy deep shuffle and thumping bassline, an alternative sexy night time flavour that will have the club bumping.

All three mixes complement each other to make this an outstanding package and must for every summer DJ set. Like You Do is a track where we definitely like what it does – it takes us on a deep soulful journey to a balmy heady place, where we can dance all of our cares away.

True2Life aka Richard Pring is a producer from Bristol, who has been around since 1999. Starting out as part of Triplicity and the Park Street team with Ceri Howe, John Revelle, and Kai Jolly, Richard was involved in several releases and worked with talented singers including Rainy Payne and Diana Waite. In recent years as True2Life he has been prolific, producing Classic House, Soulful House and UK Garage vibes, working with artists including Phillip Ramirez, Lady Bunny, Dennis Wonder and Pat Bedeau. He is also very much in demand for his bumping remixes, having had success with Circle of Funk’s Feelin It, featuring Lifford on vocals, and One House Plus with Jazzloungerz and An-tonic.

An-Tonic has been a huge fan of dance music since the age of seven when he got into Funkadelic, having had the good fortune to meet George Clinton and Bootsy Collins. Once he was old enough, he travelled the world featuring in various films as an extra, and was then recruited as a member of the New York Guardian Angels. Working through the night, he was able to pursue his love of music and featured in open jam sessions where he featured with the likes of Funkadelic, Bobby McFerrin, LL Cool J and Terminator X. Anton fell in love with House music and started to collaborate with various producers, his spoken word vocals adding richness to many releases. He has featured on several productions including Pleasuredome with Andy Holder, Freerider with Jamie Anderson and Owain-K, Sunshine Getdown with Shane D and Dean Saunders, and Televized! with Louis Ferrier.

This package is being released on the rapidly rising Slapped Up Soul label which features quality soulful artists from around the globe.

Touch the Spirit is a track which delivers a poetic message about the spiritual nature of House music that many lovers of the genre will relate to. Anton delivers the vocals with an authoritative and heartfelt passion that will resonate with the mindset of the audience.

The Original Mix is animated with elements of House, Soulful House, UK Garage and Techno, amongst a dazzling synth backdrop. Definitely a dance floor favourite, it is a track that skilfully mingles genres and will stimulate the senses of the club faithful. The Raw Mix crosses genres again with its blend of broken beat and UK garage vibes, the percussive rhythms, organ stabs and driving beat delivering an alternative mood. Bristol boys Circle of Funk deliver a mix that is a predominant blend of deep, ethereal and minimal, with enchanting keys and delicate percussion that weaves its way through a bouncing beat, while up and coming young UK producer Jordan Trove brings us a quality mesmerising and almost anthem-like flavour with a pulsating backbeat that keeps the momentum high throughout.

A worthy addition to DJ sets around the world, each version has a captivating quality, making this an exciting package that will lift and touch everybody’s spirit as the balmy summer rooftop evenings approach.

Chris Rob hails from Chicago and currently resides in New York. He is an accomplished musician and singer-songwriter who has been making quality sounds for more than a decade. He has been a fundamental contributor to the success of many major artists – a classically trained pianist, he featured on Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothin’”, and for John Legend’s “Get Lifted” tour he took on the role as musical director in addition to performing keys and back up vocals. He performed at Barack Obama’s inauguration, and with DJ Spinna he co-wrote “Right On Brotha”, a gorgeous track which features Stevie Wonder and appears on Robert Glasper’s Miles Davis tribute album. The list of great artists that have worked with Chris is very impressive, he is certainly a well-respected performer, having supported the likes of Prince, Elton John, Common, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Peven Everett, Roberta Flack, and Ashford & Simpson, to name a few. A very versatile man, he can work with any genre, and excels in a fusion of Funk, Soul, Hip hop and House. In the Soulful House world he has featured on many successful releases with Ian Friday including Found Myself, and a cover of Lionel Richie’s Love Will Find A Way, and he has recently toured worldwide with funk band the Nasty Delicious which features his elder brother Craig Robinson. Chris is one of those performers where music is at the very core of his existence, in every performance he is unassumingly superb, and with his long pedigree of world-class appearances, he has proved that he has the skills and passion to make any project stand out.

Darryl James, a Bronx native, is a man who has been on the scene for many years. A talented DJ, producer and remixer, he came to the fore in the booths of New York’s finest clubs including Bentley’s, The Silver Shadow and The Red Parrot. He was soon in demand by radio stations who were keen to showcase his turntable skills, and he has become a valued presenter on Kiss FM and WBLS. Darryl’s collaborations are extensive – he has worked with Robin S, Kem, Janet Jackson, Heather Headley, Ugochi, Mousse T, Will Reelsoul Rodriquez, David Anthony and House legend Todd Terry. He released You Make Me Happy and Where Do We Go on Todd’s prestigious Freeze label.

With the late R&B superproducer Fred McFarlane, Darryl founded the Altra Music Inc label. Altra is a label which promotes quality dance music including R&B and Jazz, and it continues to gain momentum with great releases including Voices from Leroy Burgess, Life, So Amazing from Ugochi, and Swingin’ from Reelsoul.

Touch The Sky is co-written by Chris and Darryl, with Chris performing keys and vocals, and Darryl providing his first-class production skills. This package includes an extended and radio version of the Darryl James Vocal Mix as well as an Instrumental Mix.

It is an inspirational song with a positive vibe that stirs the heart and mind of the listener from the opening bars. The smooth and silky vocals are delivered by Chris with the emotion of a man who longs for a better world. The lyrical storyboard echoes the feelings of many who have encountered a life of inequality, conflict, and oppression, and yet foretells of a beautiful existence that can be attained by coming together as one and changing perceptions to demonstrate that we can all live happily and respectfully with peace, love and unity. The production reflects the hope in the song’s message with its upbeat feel, energetic percussion, exquisite keys and heart-warming strings. As one dances to this superb composition, it is easy to get entwined in its beauty, feeling the faith of every beat, and as we move and sway, and reach high with our hands, we know that anything is possible – we can touch each other’s lives, and we can really touch the sky.

Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a versatile afro-soul vocalist from Nigeria. Her honey-smooth soulful voice has earned her worldwide recognition and she has shared a stage with many renowned artists including Maxi Priest, Eric Benet, Common, John Legend, Shaggy and Toots and the Maytals. An accomplished singer-songwriter, Ugochi also delivers poetic spoken word vocals, and in 2005 was awarded “Best African Entertainer” at the Chicago Music Awards. She regularly performs with the Afro Soul Ensemble, and has released two albums African Buttafly and A.S.E. (Afro Soul Effect). Ugochi has travelled the world, receiving rave reviews wherever she performs, and is fast becoming a significant name in the world of music with her unique fusion of genres and refreshing artistic style of delivery. Certainly a name that we will be hearing much more of.

Life So Amazing was originally released in November 2016, a collaboration between Ugochi, Darryl James and Chris Rob. This release features accomplished producer Reelsoul on remix duties

Darryl James is from The Bronx, New York, and is a seasoned DJ, producer and remixer, having graced the booths at three of New York’s hottest clubs of recent decades – Bentleys, The Red Parrot and The Silver Shadow. His talent was noticed by radio stations and record companies and Darryl is now an accomplished radio DJ, having presented shows on Kiss FM and WBLS. He has collaborated with many heavyweights of the dance music scene, and released You Make Me Happy and Where Do We Go on house legend Todd Terry’s Freeze label. He has also worked with Robin S, Kem, Janet Jackson and Heather Headley. Darryl heads up the Altra Music Inc label, a label which he founded with the late R&B superproducer Fred McFarlane. Altra is a label which highlights many different genres including R&B and Jazz, as well as the regular wide range of dance music flavours. Altra continues to go from strength to strength with several quality releases including Voices from Leroy Burgess.

Chris Rob is a musician and singer-songwriter from Chicago who has been making quality soulful cuts for over a decade. His music is a fusion of many styles encompassing Funk, Hip hop and House and Chris has performed with many greats including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Elton John, The Black Eyed Peas, Common, Jill Scott, Peven Everett, and Roberta Flack. This release features his superb keyboard skills, and Chris has recently toured worldwide with funk band the Nasty Delicious.

Will ‘Reelsoul’ Rodriquez is one of the most prolific and well-respected producers in dance music. Entirely self-taught, he has developed and perfected his signature soulful sound which epitomises the carefree sunny vibe of his native California. He regularly embraces different genres, not afraid to push the boundaries of world dance music. He has collaborated with every big name in Soulful House including Frankie Feliciano, Mr V, DJ Spinna, Pauline Henry, Rob Hayes, Kimara Lovelace, Monique Bingham, Typheni, Distant People, Chappell, Dawn Tallman, Kenny Summit, Blaze, Eric Benèt, Miss Patty, Nicole Mitchell, Stephanie Cooke, Leroy Burgess, Mark di Meo, Rona Ray, AG Thomas and Pete Simpson. In partnership with DJ Spen and Gary Hudgins, and with Sheila Ford on vocals, he produced one of the best tracks of 2016, a cover of La Costa – which started as his very own special tribute to the late Natalie Cole. Will’s catalogue of work is huge, and it is clear that this is a man who lives and breathes music, drawing on influences from every facet of his life.

Life So Amazing is an upbeat and inspirational song about taking control of your own destiny, standing up against injustice, and embracing the beauty of our human existence. Ugochi’s thought-provoking lyrics and sultry vocal illustrates the spirit of an accomplished performer, and will resonate with the conscience of the typically passionate and warm-hearted Soulful House crowd. Reelsoul’s signature bouncy vibe prompts head bobbing and foot tapping from the opening bars, and his skilfully placed keys, percussion and beats complement the energy of the track. The whole package is a combination which will bring positivity, love and hope to the dance floors of the world. Life is amazing, especially when our ears are blessed with performances like this.

Will ‘Reelsoul’ Rodriquez was born in 1980, and grew up at a time when dance music was gaining increasing popularity worldwide. Many new genres and subgenres were being created, and young Will absorbed every shred of musical knowledge. Encouraged by his father he started his collection of 45’s at the age of four, he also fell in love with the keyboard and taught himself how to play by ear, and by the age of twelve, Will was making beats with two tape decks and a keyboard. Soaking up the sounds of Rare Groove, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Disco, Soul, and House to name a few, he quickly became a genius on the turntables, securing his first DJ gig at the age of eleven. Reelsoul has developed and perfected his signature soulful sound over the years, really making a name for himself in the world of Soulful House music. His productions tend to be upbeat and bouncy, carefree and sunny like his native California, with many subtle touches that pay homage to his influential heroes of the last fifty years. Always pushing boundaries, he often surprises us with departures from his usual style, venturing into minimal, electronica, techno, and sometimes providing the vocals for his own tracks. Reelsoul has a talent for choosing just the right elements to complement each musical creation, and he has recorded insightful videos to demonstrate how he builds up the layers of sound in each production. Very much in demand for his unique production talent, he has collaborated with Frankie Feliciano, Mr V, DJ Spinna, DJ Spen, Kimara Lovelace, Monique Bingham, Typheni, Distant People, Chappell, Dawn Tallman, Kenny Summit, Blaze, Eric Benèt, Miss Patty, Nicole Mitchell, Stephanie Cooke, Leroy Burgess, Mark di Meo, Rona Ray, AG Thomas and Pete Simpson to name a few, building up a huge catalogue of successful releases and remixes. He is very much an integral member of Mr V’s Sole Channel family and regularly travels around the world enchanting audiences with his quality DJ sets.

Swingin is a release which includes an instrumental and an extended mix courtesy of DarrylJames. The package is released on Darryl’s Altra Music Inc label, a label which he founded with the late R&B superproducer Fred McFarlane. Altra is a label which highlights many different genres including R&B and Jazz, as well as the regular wide range of dance music flavours.

Darryl James is from New York, and is a seasoned DJ, producer and remixer, having graced the booths at three of New York’s hottest clubs of recent decades – Bentleys, The Red Parrot and The Silver Shadow. Darryl is an accomplished radio DJ, having presented shows on Kiss fm and WBLS, and he has collaborated with many heavyweights of the dance music scene including Todd Terry, Robin S, Kem, Janet Jackson and Heather Headley.

Swingin is big and bold with a beat that resonates from the opening bars. With a backdrop vocal sample of Marvin Gaye ‘Got to give it up’, the listener can hear elements of eighties Technotronic-esque keys along with the hallmark Reelsoul bouncing beat. Mesmerising and enchanting, this track immerses the dancer into world of mystery and classic video game style techno, along with shimmering soulful touches – it is as intoxicating as it is joyful and definitely a track that will move your mind and your body, and have you longing to go to Marvin’s party.

Darryl’s extended mix has an intensified beat and builds further on the effects of Reelsoul’s original, giving extended pleasure for the clubgoers.

This is a release that delivers on all levels – it is contemporary but familiar, beguiling and magical, a track that picks you up and carries you to the dancefloor where you definitely will not want the party to end.

Lee Gomez is the accomplished producer behind Wipe the Needle – a name that is synonymous with quality productions across a variety of genres, and showcasing some of the best vocal talents in the business. Wipe the Needle emerged on the scene in 2005, producing a diverse blend of House music sounds including vibes of soulful, deep, dark, and tech. Over the years, with more than fifty tracks released, Wipe the Needle is a name that unfailingly creates a buzz with the dance crowd, eagerly awaiting each new cut.

Wipe The Needle tracks have featured on various labels including Defected, 4th Floor, Restless Soul, Deeply Rooted House, Raw Fusion, Groove Odyssey, Solid Ground, Broadcite, Slip n Slide, and Soundmen on Wax. 2016 is already shaping up to be a stellar year for Lee with dance floor hits including Silky and Rise Up with Lifford, and Found You with Taliwa, plus the afro-influenced spoken word Listen Different with Tshaka Campbell. Lee has worked many other artists including Michael Proctor, Eddie Stockley, CT Martin, Pauline Henry, Xavier, Gregory Purnell, Circle of Funk, Soulful Session, Dawn Tallman, Fred Triplett, Alex Lattimore and Foremost Poets to name a few.

Gary Bardouille is a vocalist from the UK who has been gracing the dance music scene with his luscious vocals since 2000. He previously worked with Wipe The Needle in 2011 releasing the Love IsEP on the Soundmen on Wax label. He has also collaborated with talented artists including Luca Ricci, Tom Gianelli, the JTE Project, Leggz, Tommy Marcus and Villanova.

This release is on Slapped Up Soul, a Bristol based label who support and promote the very best in new music. With a wide range of artists in their repertoire including Lifford Shillingford, Robert Owens, Dawn Tallman, Charlene Samms, Circle of Funk , Louise Golbey and Mr V, the label continues to gain momentum with each new release.

The lyrics of “Love Again” are about somebody who has emerged through the emotion and pain of a failed relationship and is now ready to try again. Gary’s beautiful soothing and soulful delivery depicts the hope and anticipation of a new connection that could be something really special, and he brings raw emotion to the track in an understated way that fits perfectly with the ambience of the song.

Wipe The Needle’s production with its trademark exquisite keys and well balanced percussion, draws on influences from the seventies, brought right up to date with every touch and sound carefully placed and measured. Lee and Gary have brought us another classic tune that everybody can identify with whether they are listening quietly, or grooving to the beat on the dance floor. Love Again – the perfect autumn sound to bring joy to our hearts.

SUS026 Love Again – Wipe The Needle, Gary Bardouille – released on Slapped Up Soul October 2016

Brazilian House Music Label Grooveland is the brainchild of producers eDeep, Edground and Wagner Dalcin, and the label was formed in 2006. Grooveland is a name that is synonymous with quality Brazilian dance music, showcasing a wide range of artists and producers, and focusing on the unique Brazilian House sound. This compilation highlights the last decade of Grooveland’s Soulful House genre and is a fine collection of work.

The opening two tracks come from Ars Domini – consisting of vocalist and producer Ricardo Cassal, and DJ and producer Glauco Antonioli. On the scene for more a decade, DJeff Afrozila has Portuguese, Angolan and Cape Verde heritage which shines through in his unique afro-latin production style, and his remix of Take It Back with its lilting beat and gentle percussive touches is a memorable summer tune. Rob Hayes’ take on The Real Life changes up the ambience with a moody dance beat and soft keys.

The next trio of tracks are the creation of BSC (Brazilian Soul Crew) starting with You & Me featuring Jessi Colasante with Martyn Thompson (aka Jack Fresh/Kula) on production. This features sultry vocals and an ethereal ambience. Then comes the pumping beat of the Eddie Valdez mix of Jump featuring Allegra. The last of the trio is the mesmerising and minimal afro cut Eu Soul featuring the spoken word vocals of Andre with Nastee Nev on remix duties.

Track six is Summer Nights from Carlos Vargas featuring Danny. One for the lovers, this is a sweet song with nice sax touches and gorgeous piano. This is followed by the atmospheric and haunting vibe of Sweet Ebony from Deep Soul which features Robert Carvalho on vocals and guitar.

Track eight, Take Me Home from DJ Garphie and George Sida has a classic feel that the listener will want to sing along to. So Lonely from Domenico Navarra features the sweet and sensual vocals of Monique Henry, and London maestro Booker T treats us to the Kings of Soul vox mix with its catchy beat and skilfully placed keys. In contrasting style, Have To Talk from Jon Silva has 60 Hertz Project performing a swinging afro-influenced remix.

Hernan Cronner‘s mix provides the deep dance groove of Going Nowhere from Matthew Bandy and Johnathan Houston. This track is one of the album’s real highlights with its bouncy uplifting beat, strong vocals and captivating lyrical story. Next up, Michele McCain brings us Ocean Breeze (Monodeluxe Sunlight Remix) which has a dreamy, intoxicating late night feel.

Track thirteen is the Aphrodisiax Vocal Mix of Wishy Washy Guy from Nick Doe feat. Shereen Shabana. Aphrodisiax are the talented duo Sy Sez and Gavin Peters, and they bring a lively and addictive club vibe with deep keyboard touches. This is followed by another dancefloor triumph from SoulBasics featuring the mellow vocals of Kyla Sexton, entitled Rest Your Mind (Douglas Marques Soulwerk Mix). Next in the mix is Steven Stone with the unique vocals of Elisangela, a track entitled Alucinada de Prazer (Stereo Mutants Club Mix). The title means ‘Hallucinated Pleasure’ and it certainly evokes a dreamy and carefree feel which will relax the mind of every listener.

Track sixteen is a hypnotic hip-rocking afro vibe from Sugar House and is called Hotel Piano. Next in the sequence with its gorgeous piano intro is a superb latin treat entitled Samba of Love (Flash´N´Fox Soulful Mix) from Sam Qs featuring Taylor Jackson. Bringing us more sultry, soulful vocals and atmospheric deepness, we have the Deepo Deep House remix of Wondering from Citysounds! featuring award winning UK songstress Natasha Watts. This is followed by another from Deepo, a jazzy instrumental entitled Get out (Original Mix).

Number twenty on the album comes from Needless – the silky and mesmerising Unnamed Fellings. This is followed by a contribution from talented female UK producer Paris Cesvette – Come Back (Club Mix) is another track which features Robert Carvalho and has a warm sexy club vibe. The album closes with an instrumental laid back jazzy sax cut from Saliva Commandos called Push That Jazz.

This album showcases many different performances and production styles and is a treat for all lovers of Brazilian House music. Passionate, warm and inviting, this album will encourage you to dance and sway, taking you on a journey of Brazilian summer sunshine.